Two decades of smart growth in Maryland (U.S.A): impact assessment and future directions of a national leader

Figures & data

Figure 1. Priority Funding Areas in Maryland. Data source: Maryland Department of Planning; U.S. Census (Source: Authors).

Table 1. Ten principles of smart growth – Smart Growth Network.

1. Mix land uses

2. Take advantage of compact building design

3. Create a range of housing opportunities and choices

4. Create walkable neighborhoods

5. Foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place

6. Preserve open space, farmland, natural beauty, and critical environmental areas

7. Strengthen and direct development towards existing communities

8. Provide a variety of transportation choices

9. Make development decisions predictable, fair, and cost effective

10. Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions

Source: https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/about-smart-growth.

Figure 2. MSTM study area (Source: Authors).

Table 2. Implemented scenarios to analyze the effects of Smart Growth policies.

	Scenario	Land use policy	Transportation policy
Reference	BUA	Business as usual	Business as usual
Land Use	PFA	New development only allowed in Priority Funding Areas	Business as usual
	TOD	New development only allowed in zones within 1 mile of rail stations	Business as usual
Transportation	AOC25	Business as usual	Auto-operating costs increase by 25%
	AOC50	Business as usual	Auto-operating costs increase by 50%
	2xPARK	Business as usual	Parking costs are doubled everywhere

Figure 3. Zones with access to rail stations within a 1-mile buffer (Source: Authors).

Figure 4. Lorenz curve of household distributions (left) and Gini coefficients of households and employment distributions (right) in 2030.

Figure 5. Average trip length in 2030.

Figure 6. Share of transit trips in 2030.

Figure 7. Vehicle-Miles Traveled (VMT) in 2030.

Figure 8. Difference in Vehicle-Miles Traveled (VMT) per Acre between the BAU and the PFA scenario  (Source: Authors).